After the melting of the last Great Ice Age,
sea levels were 1-2 metres higher than we know them today.
When sea levels subsided to their current levels, fresh water
from the Dandenong Ranges flowed into low lying regions.
Carrum Carrum Swamp, an extensive wetlands ecosystem was
created, an area encompassing some 5000 hectares from Mordialloc to Frankston
and inland towards Dandenong.
Kananook Creek (the major outlet) and Mordialloc Creek carried
excess water from the wetlands into Port Phillip. These creeks were also fed
by Dandenong Creek with headwaters in the Dandenong Ranges, Eumemmerring Creek,
with headwaters at Narre Warren, and a number of smaller streams.
The course of the Kananook was controlled by the formation
of a north-south dune system running parallel to the bay.
Rapid environmental changes occurred as European settlement
escalated.
Timeline of Major
Influences - Post European Settlement |
| 1803 |
The first white visitor, Sir Charles Grimes, a surveyor,
met with a party of aborigines near the creek. This is commemorated by
a plaque near the mouth of the creek. |
| Early 1800 s |
Abundance of game attracted early settlers. Efforts were
made to reclaim low lying areas for farmland. |
| 1870 s |
Mouth of the creek was a safe haven for boats; a small
fishing fleet were moored there. Regular catches of bream.
Serious efforts were made to drain the swamp. In 1879, the Patterson
Cut was made, a 10 metre wide channel linking Carrum Swamp to Port Phillip.
In 1891 after heavy flows, the Patterson Cut was washed out and became
the river we know today. The Patterson River fulfilled its role of draining
the swamp. This effectively cut off the flow of water into Kananook
Creek. |
| 1889 -1890 |
Silting of mouth and creek due to reduced flow of water
along the creek. A major headache for fishermen. At times they could not
move their boats across the sandbar. |
| 1897 |
Fish kills reported. Creek smelly. A lock was built at mouth
of creek at Davey St in order to increase the head of water. This could
be quickly released to scour the creek and keep it clear. Lock remained
until 1920's.
Various siltation prevention measures attempted. |
| 1909 -1910 |
Kananook Creek reduced to a foul smelling drain. |
| 1920 s |
Pumping station constructed near Seaford Railway
Station. A large intake pipe carried seawater from the bay into the creek.
(Seaford pier was built to support the pipeline). Worked well but expensive
to operate. Fell into disrepair during the war. |
| Post War |
No sewerage, no flow and full of septic and sullage
waste. |
| 1960 s |
State Rivers and Water Supply Commission pump and outlet
at Riviera St. Intended primarily to carry high water flows from creek
into bay. During high tides a small amount of sea water was flushed into
creek. |
| 1970 s |
Kananook Creek Association formed by a
group of concerned residents with the desire to clean and restore the
creek and surrounding reserves.
Treated effluent from Mornington Peninsula Sewage Treatment plant was
flushed into creek via Eel Race drain. Catchment area was sewered. Water
quality began to improve. Stagnation problem remained. |
| 1978 -1979 |
Extensive research and trials; Kananook Creek Rehabilitation
Strategy |
| 1981 |
Lower Dandenong Valley Waterways Management Plan; DVA Biological
Survey published |
| 1983 |
DVA built pump station at Patterson Lakes to pump clean
sea water into the creek via Patterson Lakes Tidal Canal System and Eel
Race Drain. Increased flushing and significant improvement in water quality
and clarity. Fish and animal life began to reappear. |
| 1988 |
Wildfire swept through the northern section between Eel
Race Road and Station Street, destroying much of the vegetation. In response,
KCA volunteers embarked upon a vigorous campaign of weeding, replanting
and fire prevention measures. |
| 1991 |
Mornington Peninsula Sewage Treatment Plant closed.
All effluent directed to the Melbourne South Eastern Purification Plant
and discharged at Cape Shanck.
Dandenong Valley Authority merged with Melbourne Water. |
| 1992 |
Kananook Creek Management Plan compiled by
DVA / Melbourne Water and Frankston Council. Welcomed by the KCA, the
plan recommended strategies for future management and identified responsible
authorities. |
| 1996 |
Reserves accorded 'Land for Wildlife' Status |
| 1997 |
Kananook Creek Reserve Landscape Master Plan
prepared for Frankston City Council. Plan builds upon the recommendations
of the Management Plan.
Controversy surrounded Port Phillip Coastal Trail and proposed location
of bike path through parts of the Kananook reserves. KCA opposed and continues
to oppose such plans due to the environmentally fragile nature of the
reserves. |
| 1998 |
National Heritage Trust Grant approved for
KCA restoration of flood plain in the central section of the reserves. |
| 2001 |
National Heritage Trust project completed.
Environmental Impact Assessment Final Report completed for the Upgrade
of the Riviera Flood Complex on Kananook Creek. |
September 2004 |
KCA awarded 2004 Regional Landcare Award
by Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority.
Kananook Creek Association were the honoured recipients of the 'Caring
for Waterways' Award. |
February 2005 |
Completion of the Fiocchi Ave to Beach St section
of trail directly linking the reserves to the business district. The creeks
reserves are now accessible for more than 7.5 km from Carrum to central
Frankston. |
November 2005 |
The KCA were the proud state winners of the NAB Volunteer Award (Environment category). |
| |
Teeming
with aquatic life, bird life, mammals, edible bulbs, roots and innumerable
sources of food, Kananook Creek and its surrounds were an integral part of
the lives of the indigenous people, the local Bunarong tribe. Following a
seasonal trail as hunters and gatherers, the Bunarong people lived in harmony
with nature. It is thought that aboriginal occupation of the Frankston area
may have spanned more than 30,000 years. There can be no doubt that the original
inhabitants were gentle, expert caretakers who left little imprint upon the
landscape.